Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

10 Best Hiking Socks for Men To Buy in 2022

Swiftwick Pursuit Hike Six Socks
Swiftwick Pursuit Hike Six Socks
Jump to details
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Jump to details
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks
Jump to details
Sockwell Circulator Compression Socks
Sockwell Circulator Compression Socks
Jump to details
Smartwool Run Cold Weather Mid Crew Socks
Smartwool Run Cold Weather Mid Crew Socks
Jump to details
Wrightsock Endurance Crew Socks
Wrightsock Endurance Crew Socks
Jump to details
Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew Merino Wool Socks
Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew Merino Wool Socks
Jump to details
REI Co-op COOLMAX EcoMade Midweight Hiking Crew Socks
REI Co-op COOLMAX EcoMade Midweight Hiking Crew Socks
Jump to details
Balega Hidden Comfort Socks
Balega Hidden Comfort Socks
Jump to details
Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Sock
Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Sock
Jump to details

Even among hardcore outdoor gear lovers, socks are hardly a sexy topic. But, good socks are essential for just about every type of adventure. That’s doubly true for hiking. With the cooler weather around the corner, it’s time to leave the every day dress socks at home and start shopping for thicker midweight foot coverings. We’ve done the legwork for you to round up the best hiking socks for men in 2022.

Swiftwick Pursuit Hike Six Socks on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Swiftwick Pursuit Hike Six Socks

Merino wool is a miracle fabric. It’s hands-down the best material for hiking gear. Case in point: Swiftwick’s Pursuit Hike Medium Weight socks. This latest release from Swiftwick blends Merino wool (69%) with nylon, olefin, and spandex for added durability and quick wickability. Plus, they’re just stretchy enough to be comfortable on everything from day hikes to extended backcountry treks.

Swiftwick Pursuit Hike Six Socks
Swiftwick Pursuit Hike Six Socks
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks over a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks

As the name implies, Darn Tough enjoys a reputation among avid hikers for its rock-solid reliability. The brand has field-tested its flagship foot coverings on the Vermont Trail, one of the most demanding long-distance hiking trails in the U.S. The Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks are thick, well-cushioned, and stretchy in all the right places.

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks feature a unique, toe-cradling design.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks

Injinji’s Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks are purpose-built for running over uneven terrain. The unique design cradles individual toes for a versatile, protective fit that works in any shoe. The no-show height hits just above the ankle, making them perfect for trail running. The medium cushioning provides adequate warmth and protection.

Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks
Sockwell Circulator Compression Socks on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sockwell Circulator Compression Socks

More hikers are turning to compression socks. Many believe they’re superior to ordinary hiking socks, especially for peak-bagging and longer days on the trail. Sockwell’s Circulator Compression Socks are designed for increased circulation, better lower leg support, and faster recovery times at the end of the day.

Sockwell Circulator Compression Socks
Sockwell Circulator Compression Socks
Smartwool Run Cold Weather Mid Crew Socks in blue over a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Smartwool Run Cold Weather Mid Crew Socks

Smartwool has become synonymous with world-class Merino apparel, including some of the best men’s socks. Its Run Cold Weather Mid Crew Socks are designed for hiking and running in colder seasons. These Merino wool socks dry fast, won’t stink, and last forever. We also appreciate Smartwool’s Virtual Seamless toe construction for added comfort and blister prevention.

Smartwool Run Cold Weather Mid Crew Socks
Smartwool Run Cold Weather Mid Crew Socks
Wrightsock Endurance Crew Socks on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Wrightsock Endurance Crew Socks

For those with blister-prone feet, Wrightstock devised a unique solution. Its dual-layer socks feature an ultra-thin liner that prevents bunching, absorbs friction, and wicks away moisture, and an outer layer with just the right amount of cushioning and protection for late summer and early fall trail days.

Wrightsock Endurance Crew Socks
Wrightsock Endurance Crew Socks
Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew Merino Wool Socks over a plain background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew Merino Wool Socks

Farm to Feet’s Damascus Lightweight Crew Merino Wool Socks are among the most versatile men’s hiking socks available. The Merino wool construction ensures they’re comfortable for all but the hottest trail days. The calf-height design works equally well with hiking boots and ankle-height shoes. Plus, they’re comfortable, breathable, and quick-drying -- all for around $20.

Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew Merino Wool Socks
Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew Merino Wool Socks
REI Co-op COOLMAX EcoMade Midweight Hiking Crew Socks on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

REI Co-op COOLMAX EcoMade Midweight Hiking Crew Socks

REI Co-op makes some of the best mid-range outdoor gear. Its Coolmax EcoMade Midweight Hiking Crew Socks are no exception, as they’re breathable, affordable, and well-cushioned for year-round adventures. Plus, the eco-friendly construction relies on yarn made from recycled water bottles.

REI Co-op COOLMAX EcoMade Midweight Hiking Crew Socks
REI Co-op COOLMAX EcoMade Midweight Hiking Crew Socks
Balega Hidden Comfort Socks in blue and orange over a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Balega Hidden Comfort Socks

For runners who value cushioning and performance over warmth, Balega’s Hidden Comfort Socks are among the best. These no-show socks feature a minimalist design with the perfect amount of protective cushioning in all the right places, including the tops of the toes. Seamless toes also ensure blister-free all-day wear.

Balega Hidden Comfort Socks
Balega Hidden Comfort Socks
Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Sock in gray over a plain background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Sock

Wigwam’s Hiking Outdoor Socks are ideal for hiking in any weather. The synthetic materials deliver extreme durability, dry fast, and are comfortable over almost any terrain. Where these hiking socks excel, however, are in wet weather when the mostly plastic fabrics shed water faster than their traditional natural alternatives.

Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Sock
Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Sock

Well there you have it, our list of the best socks for hiking this season. Whether you're going out for a day hike or considering a multi-day backpacking trip, keeping your feet comfortable will make a world of difference in how much distance you can put it on the trail.

Editors' Recommendations

Benjamin Buckingham
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ben lives in Portland, Oregon where he works as a freelance writer and outdoor guide.
Keep your fingers toasty warm this winter with the 7 best hand warmers
Serious cold demands serious heat. These next-gen hand warmers are designed to keep you toasty all winter.
Woman jogging in winter holding a chemical hand warmer.
Read more
The best heated clothing for your cold-weather adventures in 2023
Better adventuring through technology with the best heated clothing to keep you warm in the outdoors this winter
The best heated clothing delivers portable all-day warmth.
Read more
10 best gifts for couples that they’ll love this holiday season
Consider these couples gifts this Christmas
Presents for couples.

Buying gifts for a couple, whether for you and another or someone else altogether, can be fun and exciting while at the same time, equally challenging. It’s not always that easy to find a gift that meets the interests of both people while at the same time, is unique and meaningful. The best gifts for couples usually bring the couple together in some way, by building memories, strengthening the romance, or supporting the everyday life of both partners equally so that life is that much richer and easier to enjoy.

To help you earn “best gift-giver of the year” status this year, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best gifts for couples. From smaller stocking stuffers to dream-gift, big-ticket items, we have the ideas and inspiration you need to make your favorite couple’s holiday wishes come true.

Read more